Officers receive awards from Domestic Harmony

Friday

Nov 8, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By Nancy HastingsTwitter: @nhastingsHDNHILLSDALE – Law enforcement agencies respond to calls involving domestic violence daily, so acknowledging their efforts is something one local organization focused on recently.Domestic Harmony held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Night recognition banquet in October, where a first time award went to two individuals in law enforcement.Wes Ludiker, a deputy at the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Department and James Wolodkin, a trooper with the Michigan State Police, received plaques honoring their support of domestic violence issues. Ludiker was awarded a plaque at the banquet event, while Wolodkin’s presentation was Wednesday at the Edward Jones office in Jonesville.Board member Niki Acker said each occasion marked the special efforts put forth by the individuals.“These awards show how they go above and beyond on a regular basis,” Acker said. “This is the first year we’ve done this, with the idea of continuing to recognize people who are supportive of domestic violence issues in Hillsdale County.”Acker said both individuals have a real sense of what domestic violence involves, noting that domestic violence in the United States and in the county is a continuing problem, with long term ramifications for victims and children.By helping victims receive services offered by Domestic Harmony, Acker said the honored individuals show how they care about and understand the various facets of domestic violence.Though the presentations were made on separate occasions this time, Acker said the recognition is something the board hopes to do each year.“It doesn’t have to be in law enforcement, but this is where we started with the award,” Acker said.Board president Kristin Lucas started Domestic Harmony in 1979 and in 1982, a shelter was established. The organization has 13 board members and a staff of 10 who provide legal advocacy, counseling and shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.“It was so inspiring to me to see these individuals receive awards for their willingness to work with us in helping victims,” Lucas said.For Wolodkin, who has been with the State Police post in Jonesville since 1988, working in law enforcement wasn’t his original intention for a career, but noted it’s where he was led to help others.“Turns out I love it and I found out it was (the career) for me,” Wolodkin said.Wolodkin said he appreciates being recognized for the work he does with Domestic Harmony and though the state police also give out awards, being recognized by another agency means a great deal.Sgt. Greg Jones, who accompanied Wolodkin to the presentation Wednesday, said its especially noteworthy when an individual officer like Wolodkin, who works diligently on cases of domestic violence, is recognized by an outside agency.“We think it’s pretty fantastic for an officer to be singled out in this arena — where officers don’t look for recognition and don’t often get it,” Jones said. “It’s something we’re very proud of.”Ludiker, who has been with the sheriff’s department since 1998, said he also counts the award as an honor. He grew up in Waldron and went to college at Michigan State, majoring in criminal justice. He works second shift, a 10-hour shift that involves domestic calls daily, where numerous factors play into the complexity of understanding domestic violence.“If you really pay attention, you find out it’s more about the mental abuse, the threats, manipulation and control,” Ludiker said. “I try to be in tune with the situation, noting previous threats of violence and understanding the situation.”As officers, he noted that it’s rare to have anyone tell them they’ve done a good job.“A lot of people see us as the enemy and place the blame on us,” he said. “To receive a thank you makes you feel good... It’s quite an honor to receive this and we feel the sacrifices made are worth it.”Ludiker added that living in a small community makes it possible to have a close relationship with agencies, whereas in bigger cities there is not the same familiarity.Undersheriff Roger Boardman said seeing Ludiker receive recognition gives the department a sense of pride.“Domestics are difficult complaints to handle,” Boardman said. “The award is a reflection on the department and the community working together.”